The Deputy Registrar and Head of International Examinations at the West African Examination Council, Charles Eguridu, a Nigerian, on Sunday urged his fellow countrymen who are residing in the country illegally to regularize their stay.

It will be in your interest to do so, he said, because it will enable the Ghana Immigration Service to know the person you are and what you are doing in the country.

Giving a statement at the end of the year thanksgiving party of the Nigerian Youth Association, in Accra, Mr. Eguridu noted with concern the presence of many of his fellow countrymen in the country who are engaged in criminal activities that have continued to smear the image of peace-loving Nigerians in Ghana.

He warned: "If you are in this country to indulge in illegal activities, you'd better start rethinking your decisions, because the laws of Ghana will deal with you accordingly."

Eguridu further advised the Nigerian youth doing business in the country not to only concentrate on money making but take advantage of the educational opportunities in Ghana.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Youth Association (NYA), Mr. Austin J. Adedeji Akaka, in a welcome address, called on Nigerians living in Ghana to be law abiding, saying "this is necessary because as an association we will not hesitate to hand over anyone who indulges him/herself in criminal activities to the law enforcement agency for proper disciplinary action."

Mr. Akaka expressed the NYA's appreciation to Ghanaians for the warm hospitality accorded Nigerians in the country and prayed that that cordial relationship continued to exist between the two countries.

The Deputy Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Ambassador Owoaje, pledged the Commission's support for the association and praised its effort in helping reduce the negative images being portrayed of Nigerians in the country.

On the negative images of Nigerians worldwide, he expressed hope that these will soon be things of the past as the country consolidates its democratic process.

The Member of Parliament for Odododiodoo, Niibi Reginald Ayi-Bonte, praised the Ghana-Nigeria bi-lateral relationship, saying both countries have led the economic development of West Africa.

He, like the other speakers, urged the NYA to come up with immediate press release to distance themselves from any action by a Nigerian that will reflect negatively on the entire Nigerian community in the country.

The NYA is an organization which seeks to protect and seek the interest of its members both morally and financially.